Expert Rating

The market for warmed-over wagons isn't a big one in Australia – and it's a bit hard to understand why. Adding a bit more sheetmetal and a larger tailgate doesn't automatically render a car unattractive or slower, after all.

Is there anything interesting about its design?

It goes without saying that the wagon rear is the defining feature of the Octavia, with a good balance struck between sportingly pleasing rakish lines and a practical, useful roof height.

The crisp lines of the standard Octavia model are enhanced for the RS, with the addition of a deeper, more aggressive front bumper that sports fog lights that also act as cornering lamps, switching on individually when the steering wheel is turned.

The Octavia RS hasn't forgone practicality in the name of performance.

How practical is the space inside?

The Octavia RS hasn't forgone practicality in the name of performance, with a large load space, big aperture and clever touches to make everyday life a bit easier.

It was a little surprising to see any sort of cargo retention net moved over to the options list, although a small plastic divider, bag hooks and tie downs still add a lot of functionality (and auto stores do a great range of nets!)

Remote seat-back releases are also a welcome touch.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI Wagon. Picture credit: Tim Robson.

The driver and passenger seats are both supportive and comfortable, and are mounted low to the floor. The flat-bottomed three-spoke wheel is a familiar fitment to VW products, as is the large colour capacitive touchscreen that wakes up as your finger approaches.

The rear 60/40 split fold row can take three with sufficient leg room, and the Octavia wagon's roofline doesn't encroach on rear head room for taller rear-seaters.

That rear space can take a huge 588 litres of load with the seats up – putting it ahead of everything else in the category – and 1718 litres with both seats down.

There are eight cupholders in the car, but only the front door pockets can take decently sized bottles. Hot tip – insulated cups with bases that taper in are the best fit for the Skoda's oddly small cupholders.

Stay up to date withexpertguide

What's it like to drive?

If you expected the RS wagon to behave similarly to the RS sedan, you'd be mostly right. The load-lugging version is about 40kg heavier than the sedan, which gives it a bit more softness and compliance in its normal damper settings – and it's no bad thing.

The Octavia still steers with plenty of accuracy and poise, thanks to the clever linear-toothed steering rack it poaches from the GTI, and the car firms up nicely in all directions when the RS button is tapped.

The RS button turned the little wagon into a brilliant Sunday car, with great road manners, ferocious grip and sufficient performance under the foot.

From the driver's seat there's no real visual or visceral reference that you've got a wagon behind you – except when you want to toss life's detritus in the back. We jammed two full-size bikes, two body boards, numerous boxes and camera gear in the space, with room to spare, and the RS still felt spritely and up for a fang.

As with all the MQB-based cars with a drive mode select switch, the RS really is two cars in one. Its ride and handling around town is exemplary, looking after its passengers in perfectly damped comfort.

The RS button turned the little wagon into a brilliant Sunday car, with great road manners, ferocious grip and sufficient performance under the foot, especially in the mid-range where it matters most.

But its biggest party trick comes on Monday morning, when it can be used to complement your day-to-day life in ways that a sedan or hatch simply can't manage.

Verdict

Skoda's Octavia RS wagon is a real 'moment in time' car. It offers an intoxicating blend of performance, practicality and value like almost no other on the road today – and there really isn't a compromise in sight.

For a younger family with a keen driver in the mix, it's a sleeper par excellence; the RS hides its light under a bushel until you're ready to play.

As a car reviewer of 15 years and counting, there have been very few rigs that have led this tester to make serious inquiries about ownership – and the RS is one of them. It's cleverly subtle, sufficiently handsome and deceptively accomplished, and that combination appeals enormously.

Would the Octavia RS tempt you toward a warmed-over wagon instead of an SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.